Topical Bible: The Bear: Wicked Rulers

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical symbolism, the bear often represents oppressive and wicked rulers, characterized by their ferocity and destructive power. This imagery is primarily drawn from the prophetic visions found in the Book of Daniel and the Book of Revelation, where beasts symbolize empires and their rulers.

Daniel's Vision of the Bear

The most prominent reference to a bear as a symbol of a wicked ruler is found in the Book of Daniel. In Daniel 7:5, the prophet describes a vision of four beasts, each representing a kingdom. The second beast is depicted as a bear: "And behold, another beast, a second one, resembling a bear. It was raised up on one side, with three ribs in its mouth between its teeth. And it was told, ‘Arise, devour much flesh.’" (Daniel 7:5). This bear is often interpreted as symbolizing the Medo-Persian Empire, known for its military conquests and expansionist policies. The bear's posture, raised on one side, suggests the dominance of the Persian component over the Medes, while the three ribs are thought to represent the major conquests of Lydia, Babylon, and Egypt.

The Bear in Revelation

In the Book of Revelation, the bear imagery reappears in the description of the beast from the sea. Revelation 13:2 states, "The beast I saw was like a leopard, with the feet of a bear and the mouth of a lion. And the dragon gave the beast his power and his throne and great authority." (Revelation 13:2). Here, the bear's feet contribute to the composite nature of the beast, symbolizing the oppressive and crushing power of the empire it represents. This beast is often associated with the Roman Empire or a future manifestation of a tyrannical world power, characterized by its ability to trample and subdue nations.

Symbolism and Interpretation

The bear, as a symbol of wicked rulers, emphasizes the themes of aggression, dominance, and the insatiable appetite for conquest. In the biblical context, these rulers are often portrayed as instruments of divine judgment, allowed to rise to power as part of God's sovereign plan, yet ultimately subject to His justice. The bear's ferocity serves as a warning of the destructive potential of human governance when it strays from divine principles and seeks power for its own sake.

Historical and Theological Context

Historically, the bear's symbolism would have resonated with the original audience of the biblical texts, who were familiar with the threat posed by powerful empires. Theologically, the bear serves as a reminder of the transient nature of earthly kingdoms and the ultimate sovereignty of God over all rulers. The imagery underscores the biblical narrative of God's control over history and His promise to establish a kingdom characterized by righteousness and peace.

Conclusion

The bear as a symbol of wicked rulers in the Bible provides a vivid portrayal of the dangers of unchecked power and the moral responsibility of leaders. It serves as a call to recognize the limits of human authority and the need for governance that aligns with God's righteous standards.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 28:15
As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

On Daniel. vi. On Susannah.
... 20. "Behold, the garden doors are shut." O wicked rulers, and filled with the workings ...
21. "If thou wilt not, we will bear witness against thee." This wicked ...
/.../the extant works and fragments of hippolytus/on daniel vi on susannah.htm

The Wicked Husbandmen.
... purposes; but a vine, if it do not bear fruit, is ... the vineyard cometh he will destroy
those wicked men, and ... turning-point is given to the Jewish rulers in full ...
/.../arnot/the parables of our lord/xi the wicked husbandmen.htm

The Wicked Servant
... We must bear in mind, that the king must have ... My friends, the Jewish rulers of old
said so, and ... that in a very terrible way:- 'Thou wicked servant, unworthy of ...
/.../the water of life and other sermons/sermon xviii the wicked servant.htm

"Thou Shalt Honor Thy Father and Thy Mother. "
... to the same end, send the courtesans and those who bear letters from ... of evil beasts,
such as lions, wolves, serpents, dragons; these are the wicked rulers. ...
/.../luther/a treatise on good works/thou shalt honor thy father.htm

That the King of Babylon Repented of Making Jehoiachin King, and ...
... and that immediately; he was afraid that he should bear him a ... of what was right,
and neither give ear to the rulers, [among whom were wicked men,] nor ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 7 that the king.htm

The Greater Prophets.
... Isaiah was the author of the whole collection of prophecies which bear his name ... Sent
by Jehovah in such a degenerate age to rebuke the wicked rulers and people ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxii the greater prophets.htm

How Ahab when He had Taken Jezebel to Wife Became More Wicked than ...
... and she immediately sent letters to the rulers of the ... and to have three bold men
ready to bear witness that ... because he had been so insolently wicked, and had ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 13 how ahab when.htm

Why I Believe the Old Book
... In past ages when wicked rulers tried to keep it from the people, they could not ...
Neither need they fear what weapons are brought to bear upon it; for it is truth ...
//christianbookshelf.org/naylor/heart talks/talk three why i believe.htm

The Temple Cleansed Again
... turn against Him; but they had still more to bear. ... all the people present; but the
priests and rulers answered ... He will miserably destroy those wicked men," they ...
/.../white/the desire of ages/chapter 65 the temple cleansed.htm

The Controversy Ended.
... the mocking soldiers; the priests and rulers and the ... 1173) The fire that consumes
the wicked purifies the ... alone remains: our Redeemer will ever bear the marks ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /42 the controversy ended.htm